Library Fans Flock to Watch the Baysox

BOWIE—For those who love books and baseball, Sunday night at Prince George's Stadium was fun despite the outcome of the game.

The took an early lead but could not hold off the Trenton Thunder. Bowie lost 6-4, in spite of help from Baltimore Orioles' Cesar Izturis and Vladimir Guerrero.

At the end of the game, about 200 members of the Anne Arundel County Public Library’s Summer Reading Club and their parents marched around the bases to celebrate their summer reading achievements.

Those children, and many others, attended the game free with a ticket provided by the Baysox that was among the prizes they received for joining the club. Game attendees who braved the heat to attend the game received hand fans printed with the words, “I’m a Public Library Fan,” courtesy of the Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation.

Registration for the library’s summer program started on June 6 and will continue through July 30. Special events including magic shows, musical programs and science demonstrations are being held at every county library through the end of the month.

Children who complete the program will receive a flashlight or beach ball, depending on their age. Teens who joined the club already received their prize—a water bottle.

Summer reading isn't just for kids. Adults who submit a book review at their local branch by July 30 will be registered to win a Color Nook eReader, donated by the Library Foundation. The winner will be announced after Aug. 8.

Sneaks the Library Cat, the much beloved mascot of the Summer Reading Club, regretfully missed Sunday’s game because of the extreme heat. But Sneaks extends his congratulations to all the kids who cheered on the Baysox and who continue to come to the library and keep up their reading skills throughout the summer.

See the library's website for more on the summer reading program.

Editor's note: Laurie Hayes is manager, public relations and marketing, for Anne Arundel County Public Library.